Exclusives
FEATURE
Planetizen Federal Action TrackerA weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
BLOG POST
Taking Green Amendments to the Street
Several states have "green amendments" declaring that state residents have the right to a healthy environment. Could these amendments be used to challenge policies that increase car-related pollution?
FEATURE
The Great Lakes Cities are Touted as a Climate Refuge. The Reality is Much More Complex.
Sewage overflows, invasive species and polar vortexes — America’s climate haven might be more illusive than we think.
FEATURE
Will the Reconnecting Communities Program Survive Trump?
A freeway cap in Portland, Oregon is in jeopardy. But the visionary “restorative redevelopment” next door goes on.
FEATURE
Frederick Wiseman: Cinema’s Greatest Chronicler of the City
For over 60 years the legendary documentarian has quietly chronicled the urban American experience. The result is a subtle, stubborn celebration of the unsung hero of civic life: process.
BLOG POST
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
FEATURE
Is Your City Swimmable?
An interview with organizers of the inaugural Swimmable Cities Summit, which took place this June 22-24 in Rotterdam, NL.
BLOG POST
The Mobility-Productivity Paradox
New research shows that excessive vehicle travel reduces economic productivity, and that less mobility provides more productivity. Yes, you read that right.
PLANOPEDIA
What Is the Fair Housing Act?
Signed in 1968, the Fair Housing Act legally prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, and other protected categories in housing. Over fifty years later, access to safe and affordable housing remains uneven across social and racial groups.
FEATURE
Cuomo Is the Candidate of Both NIMBYs and Developers. What Gives?
In the New York City mayoral race, odd bedfellows align to preserve the housing status quo.
FEATURE
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
BLOG POST
How Planners Can Help Cut Corporate Carbon
Up to 75 percent or more of many companies’ greenhouse gas emissions come from activities impacted by urban planning. Like it or not, planners are key players in mitigation. Technology can help.
BLOG POST
The Trouble With QUIMBY
The idea of “quality urbanism in my back yard” has its uses, but should not be used to limit housing supply.
FEATURE
Can We Please Give Communities the Design They Deserve?
Often an afterthought, graphic design impacts everything from how we navigate a city to how we feel about it. One designer argues: the people deserve better.
BLOG POST
May Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
Mall redevelopment, saving California’s high-speed rail, and a provocative rethinking of the concept of redlining.
FEATURE
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
FEATURE
Meet Our New AI Columnist!
In a new monthly column for Planetizen, planner and artificial intelligence expert Tom Sanchez invites a conversation about how AI will shape urban planning — and how urban planners can (and should) shape AI.
FEATURE
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
BLOG POST
Are ADUs New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Solution?
Accessory units can bring gentle density increases and boost the housing supply with minimal impact on local infrastructure.
FEATURE
Where the Wild Things Cross
Wildlife-vehicle collisions cost Americans over $8 billion annually. The solution can be simple — and stunning.
FEATURE
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
